Jokingly, I like to claim to have authored a motto that reads, “Never do nothing”. I think I came up with it shortly after I sold my TV and decided to take better charge of my life. The year was 1986.

I’ve always thought of my motto as a mental stance and not necessarily something to be transcribed to the physical being. But when I hit forty a few years ago, I began applying the “Never do nothing” motto to everything I do: creative projects, relationships, cooking and, most importantly, at least for me, physical activity. Whether its walking, jogging, running or vibrating, the results are far greater than the at times grueling effort that goes into these activities.

This past year has been exceptional in many ways. We’ve lived abroad, traveled to some very interesting places and enjoyed a very comfortable lifestyle wherever we set down our bags. And throughout the entire year, I’ve spent more time jogging than during any other period of my entire life. Miles upon miles in exotic places like Koh Samui, Bangkok, Hanoi, Luang Prabang, and Palma de Mallorca – not to forget my milestone jog in Central Park.

I suppose the almost overwhelming creative rush I get after running for an hour is what keeps me coming back for more. Not to mention how much I’m able to focus on (or blur out) the wide-ranging variety of more or less constructive situations that are part of everyday life.

Glad I took time to exercise yesterday. Today will be full of meetings.